VANCOUVER, April 15, 2021 –– The future of the Vancouver Aquarium has been assured with an agreement to transfer its ownership from Ocean Wise Conservation Association to Herschend Enterprises.

The agreement ensures that Vancouver will continue to have a world-class aquarium with the financial strength to continue building on its 64-years of success as an animal care and animal rescue facility, a cherished educational venue, and one of BC’s top tourist and event destinations.

The agreement is the result of a diligent process initiated by Ocean Wise to save the Aquarium from permanent closure as a result of severe financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Herschend has acquired 100% ownership of the Vancouver Aquarium which will continue to be led by Chief Operating Officer, Clint Wright, who has been with the Vancouver Aquarium for more than 30 years. Ocean Wise will remain an independent charitable non-profit ocean conservation organization and an official aquarium partner led by renowned conservationist Lasse Gustavsson.

Herschend is a leading US-based attractions and tourism operator, and the owner of two aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (“AZA”). AZA accreditation represents the highest standard in animal care and welfare while providing a fun, safe, and educational family experience. The focus of Herschend’s aquariums is to inspire families to learn more, care more, and do more for animals and their environments.

“This is a very positive outcome that secures both the future of the Vancouver Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre,” said Clint Wright, Chief Operating Officer of the Vancouver Aquarium. “I have been fortunate to spend almost my entire career at the Vancouver Aquarium and I look forward to continuing to lead the organization as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and write the Aquarium’s next chapter. I have known the Herschend team for many years, they share our values, and I am extremely optimistic about the new and exciting opportunities that will be open to us with Herschend’s financial and creative support.”

“This is a thrilling and humbling day for our company as we begin our relationship with such a renowned institution,” said Andrew Wexler, Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Enterprises. “As a long-time aquarium operator we have always admired the Vancouver Aquarium as the gold standard in the industry for its combination of animal care, educational focus and exceptional family experience. We intend to build on this track record, enhancing the Vancouver Aquarium as an attraction for local and international visitors, and continuing to support the dozens of initiatives that make the Aquarium such a vital part of the local, national and international community. It is also important to us that Vancouver Aquarium is exactly that – Vancouver’s aquarium, offering a unique, local and authentic experience that is not available anywhere else.”

As part of the agreement, Herschend will donate 1% of annual gross revenues from the Vancouver Aquarium to Ocean Wise to support the organization’s ambitious conservation program.

“Ocean Wise is pleased to have gained Herschend as an ally in our conservation mission through their annual donation and our mutual desire for future collaboration,” said Lasse Gustavsson, President and CEO of Ocean Wise. “Going forward, Ocean Wise will continue to remain focused on solving the biggest challenges facing our ocean: climate change, pollution and overfishing. Ocean Wise’s conservation programs – including the Ocean Wise Seafood & Sustainable Fisheries program; Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; Ocean Bridge youth development program; Ocean & Climate Literacy program, Changing Arctic initiative, Plastic Lab, Whale Research & Conservation Initiative, Seaforestation initiative; and other programs – will continue to grow and have impact of global significance.”

Maintaining the Vancouver Aquarium’s Local and International Prominence

Herschend intends to build on the Aquarium’s exemplary track record and enhance the things that have made it so successful, while remaining true to the Aquarium’s founding principles “to attain the highest possible standard of animal care within a top-notch facility that provides an informative and educational guest experience.”

A first step for Herschend and the Vancouver Aquarium’s management will be to undertake a comprehensive consultation with the Aquarium’s guests, partners, stakeholders and staff to solicit input on enhancements they would like to see at the facility. This input will be critical in a developing a long-term plan for post-pandemic success and growth.

As it looks toward re-opening, Herschend is committed to furthering the Aquarium’s role and relationships:

• Experienced local leadership – the Aquarium will continue to be managed from Vancouver, with Canadian leadership and local staff. In planning for a re-opening, Herschend will look to hire many of the Aquarium’s former employees.
• Meaningful commitments to the community – including a continued connection with schools, community groups and families, and remaining an important employer and venue in Vancouver’s tourism infrastructure.
• Supporting ocean conservation – the Aquarium’s acclaimed Marine Mammal Rescue program will continue to operate as it does today. As well, Herschend will donate 1% of gross revenues from the Vancouver Aquarium to Ocean Wise to support research and conservation initiatives.

Additional Transaction Details

The transaction is the result of a proactive process undertaken by the Board of Directors and management of Ocean Wise to safeguard the future of the Vancouver Aquarium and it animals, and avoid the worst case scenario of bankruptcy and permanent closure.

The Aquarium has been largely closed since the emergence of COVID-19, other than a short period where it reopened at 25% capacity. Ocean Wise forecast that the Aquarium would run out of cash to operate by spring 2021, even after significantly reducing the workforce, government subsidies, and generous financial support from donors, government (federal and provincial) and community partners. Against this backdrop, and with a pressing and ongoing need for funds to ensure the ongoing care of its animals, the Aquarium’s Board engaged KPMG as its financial advisor to undertake a formal process to identify potential partners with the financial and operational abilities to ensure that the Aquarium remains an iconic part of Vancouver, BC, and Canada over the long-term.

The process was guided by fundamental principles aligned to the Aquarium’s mission, and the role it plays with its many stakeholders in the local and global communities:

• Ensuring that any partner had the long-term financial ability to both sustain the Aquarium and its animals through the length of the pandemic and invest in a long-term vision which benefits the Aquarium and the community.
• Ensuring that any potential operator had the experience and track record to manage an internationally renowned and accredited aquarium.
• Ensuring that any potential operator understands and is committed to the values of Vancouver, BC, and Canada.
• Protecting the brand and mission of both the Vancouver Aquarium and Ocean Wise, and positioning both for future success.

As part of this process, Ocean Wise and its advisor reached out to more than 70 parties in BC and around the world, including leading aquarium and zoo operators, non-profit societies with similar values and missions, and high net-worth individuals.

The agreement with Herschend was approved by the Ocean Wise Board of Directors and unanimously approved by the Ocean Wise Society’s Voting Members. Ocean Wise also obtained the consent of the Vancouver Park Board to transfer the Vancouver Aquarium License Agreement to Herschend.

About the Vancouver Aquarium

Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 40 million people from around the world to our oceans and inspired them to take action to address key threats. Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to thousands of incredible species. The Vancouver Aquarium is a fully accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), and the American Humane Society. vanaqua.org

About Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans. Through research, education, direct-action conservation and field projects, we empower communities to take action for ocean health. We’re focused on tackling three major ocean challenges: overfishing, ocean pollution and climate change. ocean.org

About Herschend Enterprises

Launched in 1960, Herschend Enterprises is a family of companies that focus on family entertainment. Its properties include two AZA accredited aquariums, Adventure Aquarium® in Camden, New Jersey, and Newport Aquarium® in Newport, Kentucky. Its other operating companies include Herschend Family Entertainment (Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City®, and Wild Adventures®), Herschend Live (Harlem Globetrotters®), Herschend Entertainment Studios (Splash & Bubbles® and Chuggington®) and Herschend Adventure Holdings, LLC (Pink Adventure Tours®). Herschend entertains more than 14 million guests annually at 25 properties in eight US states. For six decades, Herschend has operated with the purpose of bringing families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. For more information, visit www.herschendenterprises.com

Media Contacts

Ocean Wise Conservation Association
Amber Sessions
PR@ocean.org

Vancouver Aquarium / Herschend Enterprises
Justine Hall
Longview Communications & Public Affairs
604-694-6039
jhall@longviewcomms.ca

Commonwealth of Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
Andy Beshear, Governor
Mike Berry, Secretary

Contact:
Danielle Jones, Tourism Cabinet
daniellen.jones@ky.gov

Jill Midkiff, Finance Cabinet
jill.midkiff@ky.gov

Jamie Frumusa, Herschend Enterprises
jamie@tippingpointcomm.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRANKFORT, KY (February 23, 2021) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined Herschend Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wexler, state officials and community leaders to announce that Herschend Enterprises has become a majority partner and operator of Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay amusement and water park located in Louisville, Kentucky. Georgia-based Herschend is the nation’s largest family-owned theme attractions and entertainment company. Herschend operates popular tourism attractions such as the Dollywood® Parks & Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Newport Aquarium® in Northern Kentucky.As a national competitor in the tourism industry, Herschend has a history of delivering world-class entertainment experiences to its guests. Through a collaborative effort between Kentucky Kingdom, LLLP, the Kentucky State Fair Board, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Herschend will now expand its business operations to Louisville as the new majority partner of Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park, LLC. This expansion will bring enhanced entertainment and amusement park management experience that will benefit the operations at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.“After opening Newport Aquarium in 2008, we’ve been actively seeking an opportunity to bring even more entertainment to the great state of Kentucky and that dream begins today,” said Herschend Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wexler. “We’re honored to be welcomed into the beautiful and historic city of Louisville, and thrilled to build upon the exceptional 25-year legacy of Kentucky Kingdom.”

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay cover a 65-acre entertainment complex that enjoys a solid reputation of being a safe and fun amusement and water park, offering visitors the convenience and value of two parks in one. The park opened to the public in 1987 following an announcement by the Kentucky State Fair Board that a theme park would be built on the grounds of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. Negotiations with Herschend Enterprises began last year for the sale of ownership interest in Kentucky Kingdom, LLLP.

“We are pleased to turn the park over to a new generation of leadership. Herschend is an outstanding operator, who will undoubtedly take Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay to the next level. We expect their involvement will add greatly to the Commonwealth’s thriving tourism industry,” said Kentucky Kingdom’s founder, President and CEO Ed Hart.

As part of its commitment to the park, Herschend Enterprises is bringing Craig Ross, Dollywood’s President for the past 10 years, to serve as Kentucky Kingdom’s interim General Manager. Ross plans to further develop Kentucky Kingdom’s exceptional 25-year legacy by tapping into his decades of family entertainment experience at one of the nation’s top theme parks. Under Ross’ leadership, Dollywood surpassed Disneyland and was named among TripAdvisor and USA Today’s best theme parks in the world.

“This is an exciting moment, and I am so honored to work alongside the community, our season pass holders, and our valued guests in building a bright future for this beloved park,” said Ross. “We strongly believe in using guest and community input to create amazing experiences and will be reaching out to the Louisville community for input on enhancements they’d like to see at the park, including attractions, shows and events. This feedback will be critical in creating a long-term plan for success and growth.”

Herschend will implement a strategic plan to expand the operation of Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park, LLC to be consistent with the guest experiences offered at other Herschend owned and managed locations. Future plans for the Louisville amusement and water park include:

• Building the appeal for multi-generational families;
• Hosting family-friendly seasonal and themed events and festivals;
• Enhancing product and guest experiences through rebranding and the addition of
  Herschend-owned programming, such as costume character appearances;
• Expanding of the season to provide entertainment to more park guests; and
• Building relationships with state and local tourism partners to increase awareness and
  entice travel to Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville and the Commonwealth.

Kentucky tourism is an $11.8 billion industry in the Commonwealth and is the third largest industry in Louisville, generating an annual economic impact of $3.5 billion. Herschend entertains more than 14 million guests per year at 25 properties located in eight states.

“Herschend’s decision to expand its operations in the Commonwealth is a reflection of the state’s reputable tourism industry and the commitment by this Administration to move Kentucky forward by investing in tourism and economic development,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry. “We look forward to being a partner with Herschend to promote their vision for a newly reimagined attraction that will create a multi-generational experience that visitors across the nation will travel to Kentucky to enjoy.”

Situated at the intersection of Interstate 65 and Interstate 264, Kentucky Kingdom shares a parking lot with the Kentucky Exposition Center. The park’s location is easily accessible to visitors from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Lexington, Nashville and St. Louis with more than 12 million people within 120-mile drive of Louisville. Further, Nashville, Indianapolis and Lexington do not have a local amusement or theme park, making the potential for attracting visitors from those areas promising.

“The financial strength and stability of any long-term tenant is of the utmost importance in protecting the Commonwealth’s financial interests,” said Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Holly M. Johnson. “Herschend has an outstanding reputation in the theme and amusement park industry, an established financial performance, and a demonstrated ability to meet short-term and long-term obligations. Under Herschend’s leadership, the Newport Aquarium® has been ranked by USA Today as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, and we welcome their expanded presence in Kentucky.”

Operated by the Kentucky State Fair Board, the Kentucky Exposition Center is the sixth largest facility of its kind in the United States. Home to the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show, the National Archery in Schools State Tournament, and the Danny Wimmer Presents Louder than Life Festival, as well a variety of concerts, sporting events and some of the top tradeshows in the country, this state-owned venue has a national reputation for hosting an assortment of premiere events. The Kentucky Expo Center’s recognition combined with Herschend’s highly recognizable brand will create an opportunity for Kentucky to continue to expand our business and leisure travel market to generate increased travel dollars to foster the economy.

“The Kentucky State Fair Board looks forward to working with Herschend to ensure the new vision for the park is successful in Kentucky,” said Kentucky State Fair Board Chair Steve Wilson. “The Board understands the long-term value of having a nationally recognized company like Herschend in Louisville and believes that a positive economic future for Kentucky is ahead.” Known as the home of the Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger baseball, Maker’s Mark and more, Louisville is largest city in America to be designated an international compassionate city. The city prides itself on southern hospitality, and strives to be a city that is welcoming and inclusive to all guests. Louisville is known internationally for world-class tourism attractions and events. The expansion of Herschend will continue to elevate the city’s reputation as being a top travel destination for all families to enjoy.

Kentucky Kingdom is currently accepting applications to fill 1,200 job openings for the upcoming season. For more information, visit kentuckykingdom.com.

To learn more about Herschend Enterprises national entertainment and tourism attractions, visit herschendenterprises.com.

About Kentucky Kingdom: Opened in 1987, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is the number one paid family attraction in the state of Kentucky, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay has more than 70 thrilling rides – including six world-class coasters, two wave pools, one of the tallest body slides in the world (Skybox Launch) and one of the largest selections of children’s rides in the region (King Louie’s Playland).

About Herschend Enterprises: Launched in 1960, Herschend Enterprises is a family of companies that focus on family entertainment. Its operating companies include Herschend Family Entertainment (Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City®, Adventure Aquarium®, Newport Aquarium®, and Wild Adventures®), Herschend Live (Harlem Globetrotters®), Herschend Entertainment Studios (Splash & Bubbles® and Chuggington®) and Herschend Adventure Holdings, LLC (Pink Adventure Tours®). Herschend entertains more than 14 million guests annually at 25 properties in eight states. For six decades, Herschend has operated with the purpose of bringing families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. For more information, visit www.herschendenterprises.com.

Callaway Resort & Gardens and Herschend Family Entertainment Announce New Relationship

Iconic Callaway Resort & Gardens Taps Leading Entertainment Company as its new operator

ATLANTA (October 31, 2019) – Callaway Resort & Gardens today announced that it has reached an agreement with Herschend Family Entertainment (“HFE”) to operate and manage its resort and garden attractions in Pine Mountain, Georgia.   Georgia based HFE owns, operates and manages family-oriented theme parks and attractions and is a unit of Herschend Enterprises, the nation’s largest family owned themed attractions and entertainment company.  Callaway Resort & Gardens is owned by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation (Foundation).

For more than 67 years, Callaway Resort & Gardens has invited families to its 2,500 acre nature and outdoor-based destination to fulfill its mission of connecting people and nature.   As it evaluated the resort’s future, the Foundation Board discussed the idea of partnering with an experienced operator.   HFE was chosen based upon its aligned ideals and goals of bringing families closer together through memorable experiences.

Per the agreement terms, HFE will have full operational control over all operations, marketing, programming and guest service strategy of the Pine Mountain, GA-based campus.  The agreement is effective November 1, 2019 and covers all of Callaway Resort & Gardens’ operational components.  Current plans call for enhancing Callaway Gardens’ acclaimed Fantasy In Lights holiday show in 2020 and exploration of adding a signature fall festival to the property’s event offerings.

“We’re excited to begin this relationship with Herschend Family Entertainment,” said Fran Rogers, Chairman – Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.  “As our Board considered the best ways to position Callaway for long-term success, we are glad to have found an operating partner that shares our commitment to creating wonderful experiences for guests and taking care of employees and the community.”

Added Herschend Family Entertainment President Jane Cooper: “We are honored to work with a highly regarded brand like Callaway Resort and Gardens that shares our commitment to help families create memories through unique experiences.  As we begin management of the facilities, we are seeking more ways to drive guest engagement, enhance customer service and strengthen operations, while keeping those things that make Callaway such a special place.”

Since it opened to the public in 1952, Callaway Resort & Gardens has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s most popular, family friendly destinations.  Its annual signature events include the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament (May), Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Festival (September), The Steeplechase (November) and Fantasy in Lights (December).   Callaway Resort & Gardens is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, making it easily accessible to thousands of daily travelers and nearby residents.

 

About Callaway Resort & Gardens.  For more than 67 years, Callaway Resort & Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, the destination includes a scenic woodland gardens and resort on 2,500 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Highlights include a tropical butterfly conservatory, discovery center, chapel, inland white sand beach, nature trails, a zip line/obstacle course and special events throughout the year. In addition, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers meeting space, wedding and event venues, 674 guest rooms, a world-class spa, a variety of restaurants, shops, 36 holes of golf, tennis, fishing, signature seasonal and holiday events and more.  For more information, visit www.callawaygardens.com.

About Herschend Enterprises.  Launched in 1960, Herschend Enterprises is a family of companies that focus on family entertainment.  Its operating companies include Herschend Family Entertainment (Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City®, Adventure Aquarium®, Newport Aquarium®, and Wild Adventures®), Herschend Live (Harlem Globetrotters®), Herschend Entertainment Studios (Splash & Bubbles® and Chuggington®) and Herschend Adventure Holdings, LLC (Pink Adventure  Tours®).  Each year, Herschend entertains more than 14 million guests annually at 25 properties in eight states.  For nearly six decades, Herschend has operated with the purpose of bringing families closer together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®.   For more information, visit www.herschendenterprises.com.